Hycet

Hycet is a medication that is licensed for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. It is a combination drug that contains both acetaminophen (commonly used in over-the-counter pain relievers) and hydrocodone (a narcotic). Hycet comes in oral solution form and is available by prescription only. While most people tolerate Hycet well, potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness.

What Is Hycet?

Hycet™ (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription medication approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It comes as an oral solution (oral liquid). As a narcotic medication, Hycet is classified as a controlled substance, which means that special federal (and state) laws and regulations control its sale and use.

(Click What Is Hydrocodone/APAP Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Hycet?

Hycet is made by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does Hycet Work?

Hycet contains hydrocodone bitartrate (usually known as just "hydrocodone") and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a narcotic opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine. Hydrocodone relieves pain and coughing but also causes drowsiness, mood changes, and mental "clouding." In the United States, hydrocodone is only available in combination with other medications; it is not available alone. Of the two components of Hycet, hydrocodone is the one that can lead to dependence and abuse.

"APAP" is an acronym for one of the chemical names for acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications such as Tylenol^®. Combining hydrocodone with acetaminophen helps improve the effectiveness of Hycet for relieving pain and may limit the abuse potential of hydrocodone, as the maximum dose of Hycet is usually limited by the acetaminophen content.

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